DoubleTree by Hilton today opened DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University, located just two miles from Wake Forest University with convenient access to the area’s major highways, businesses and leisure destinations. Formerly the independently-owned University Hotel & Conference Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University opens following a $6 million property-wide renovation that included upgrades to the lobby, redesigned guest rooms and newly-updated meeting facilities, outdoor pool, fitness center, 24-hour guest pantry and business center, and a new lobby restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy. The hotel is owned by Salem Hotel Group LLC and managed by Paragon Hotel Company.

“A rich history and bustling economy continue to make Winston-Salem a sought-after destination for both business and leisure travelers. Outside of the downtown area, there have been no full service hotels catering to this savvy travel audience until now, with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are proud to introduce our brand’s first hotel in the market and deliver travelers an upscale, full service hotel option that is known for providing award-winning service worldwide – starting with our signature warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and continuing at every touch point during their stay.”

The six-story, 150-room hotel features eclectic, yet modern décor that celebrates the arts and innovation for which Winston-Salem is known. The hotel’s contemporary new look incorporates modern furnishings and artwork, encompassing an energetic color palette marked by rich purples, silver hues and dark wood grain accents. Guests are welcomed by a sleek, open lobby and stylishly-appointed guestrooms that offer striking views of the city and surrounding Pilot Mountains. Guest rooms feature 42-inch HDTVs, mini refrigerators, in-room safes, large ergonomic work desks with connectivity panels and bedside LED reading lights.

Throughout their stay, guests will find a range of complimentary offerings, including an outdoor pool and deck complete with a fire pit, newly-expanded 24-hour fitness center with the latest Precor equipment, 24-hour business center and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel’s public areas and guest rooms.

Guests visiting DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University will enjoy contemporary American cuisine at Providence Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serving delectable signature dishes local to the Piedmont Triad area, such as the seasonal favorite of North Carolina grouper pan-seared with cured prosciutto and baby clams, or Ashley Farms’ grass-fed strip loin of beef, smoked with sea salt, green and pink peppercorns and shredded greens. In the evening, guests can unwind at Providence Restaurant’s full service bar to sip on a hand-crafted cocktail or enjoy nightly drink specials.

With seven flexible meeting rooms totaling 6,000 square feet, DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University is the ideal destination for weddings, special events and receptions for up to 250 people. For larger events, the hotel offers the 3,105 square foot Serendipity Ballroom and the 2,070 square foot Salem Room. For smaller group gatherings, the hotel offers theMeetings Simplified by DoubleTree by Hilton package from $45 per person, which includes the meeting room, basic Wi-Fi, meeting supplies including a flipchart, markers, extension and power cord; and all day non-alcoholic beverage service. Onsite catering is available to enhance any function.

“As the only full service hotel outside of the downtown area, DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University is primed to become the go-to destination for all who travel to our city,” says Joshua Rubio, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University. “From prospective students and their families to designers and buyers attending North Carolina’s famed High Point Market, we look forward to welcoming guests at this beautiful new hotel and delighting them with the first-rate DoubleTree by Hilton service and experience.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University is convenient to a number of local attractions, such as historic Mayberry, Old Salem Museum and Gardens, Pilot Mountain State Park, local wine tours, Reynolda House Museum, golf courses, SciWorks, BB&T Field and Sara Lee Soccer Complex. Nearby businesses and corporate offices include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina, Hanes, B/E Aerospace and Wilco-Hess. Located just 34 miles from Piedmont Triad International Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers.

In addition to the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, guests will enjoy other DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, the refreshing London-based Aroma Actives natural skin and body care line and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.

DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University participates in the Hilton HHonors® loyalty program, which is open to all guests and free to join – visit here for enrollment information. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, free standard Wi-Fi, access to digital check-in and Digital Key (at participating hotels) and no hidden fees, only when they book directly through Hilton. To mark the opening, Hilton HHonors members will earn double points for stays completed through March 31, 2016. Additionally, Diamond Hilton HHonors guests will enjoy the complimentary Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast and 1,000 bonus points, and Gold Hilton HHonors guests will have the option of complimentary continental breakfast or 1,000 bonus points. Based on availability, Hilton HHonors members will also enjoy upgrades to the hotel’s exclusive Hilton HHonors floor.

DoubleTree by Hilton Winston Salem – University is located at 5790 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27105. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit winstonsalemuniversity.doubletree.com or call +1 336 767 9595.